Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A BLACKBIRD by MARCUS ARGENTARIUS

First Line: NO LONGER BY THE OAK. O BLACKBIRD, SING
Last Line: BUT VINES BEAR GRAPES -- AND BACCHUS LOVES A SONG.
Subject(s): BLACKBIRDS;
NO longer by the oak, O blackbird, sing
Nor whistle, resting on its topmost spray:
Oaks are your foe: come, where the vineyards spring
And spread the shadow of their green and grey:
Upon the branches plant your feet and so
Pour forth your throaty music shrill and strong;
For oak-trees bear the murderous mistletoe,
But vines bear grapes -- and Bacchus loves a song.



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